Thursday, April 16, 2009

Les Marins Font la Mode

Can we ever have enough of marine stripes? Sailors stripes are right up there with macarons and ballerines as best-loved Frenchie trendie (tendence) style icons. 35 haute-couture outfits designed by Jeanne Lanvin to Jean Paul Gaultier, Chanel, Dior,Givenchy,Yves Saint Laurent to see...Sonia Rykiel's witty striped pull(sweater) with a sailor's pompom hat embroidered at the waist. The REAL thing in a 30's poster. French sailor songs and snipets of Gene Kelley in On the Town are playing in the background to get you in a nautical mood.A 20's fashion statement. All kinds of ephemera illustrate the love for the navy.Even old French dollies wore striped sailor suits. The everlasting bateau-neck striped T will always be a permanent fashion fixture. Jean-Paul Gaultier has created a special affordable collection for the museum gift shop of this classic. I was tempted but the call of the macaron was stronger.

And macarons are just a few steps away at Place Trocadéro.

At lovelySalon de The, Carette..

Served with a pot of chocolat chaud.

Patisserie Carette's interior has the same Art Deco feel as the exhibit, so a perfect antidote for tired feet and eyes.

Their macarons are gorgeous and well worth the trip to the 16th arrondissement.

BONJOUR TROCADERO!

But first stop in at the new exhibit atle Musee National de la Marine at 17, place du Trocadéro to see the influence of sailor's gear on fashion at the Les Marins Font la Mode show. "When the Navy inspires French fashion" (closed Tuesdays and open tous les jours de 10 à 18h -9 euros)

Beautiful capture of the tower! I was there a long time ago and always look for images of this side of the esplanade. They are extremely rare. Thanks you for taking me back! Did you do this plein aire?

Carol, you have to write and illustrate a guidebook. Every time I read one of your posts, I wonder how I'll remember to go to all of the great cafés, musées, bistrots and shops you introduce us to! I wish I could just have your blog in my pocket the next time I visit la Paris.

That first watercolor is beautiful, Carol! Really lovely! Great job. I enjoyed this. I had a navy/white striped bateau-neck T shirt with bracelet length sleeves that I wore forever. Now I wish I still had it--I finally got rid of it after years of wearing it.

HI Carol, I just signed up for your newsletter last week and I must tell you how delighted I am to read your column every day. My children are in Paris and it means so much to me to see what they are seeing. I can't wait to go. Thank you for such a fabulous service!warmest regards,Eileen

Hi, I just read MSN's wedding cakes special (creations by Martha Stewart) which has a French Confectionary Box Cake. They say this box cake was inspired by Laduree, a Parisian tea salon and pastry shop. I had to enclose this link because you've written so much about Laduree.

GREAT exhibition.Went on the website in hopes to see the gift shop offerings but to no avail.I had a great stripe shirt that has disappeared.I worked with JP Gautier on an ad campaign doin special effects cosmetics... would love to get a shirt for my wardrobe... you said affordable... how much would that be in Dollars?

I think they were like 125ish EurosThat price for a beautiful Gaultier stripped top is GREAT IMOThere were like 3 designs...maybe, but these places are not like the Met.Who knows if they do mailorder or even have a telephone??:)C'est la vie..Carolg

Why do French people only wear dull dark colors, its eithernavy,grey,black or brown, its good that the macaroon's are colourful.Have you ever seen French people in bright colors. This year we aresupposed to be wearing primary colors in the UK wonder if it will goover the channel,Jil

Paris Letters

♥carol gillott♥

l'Ile Saint Louis, Paris, Ile de France, France

Hi I'm Carol Gillott,
My Mom taught me watercolors at 5. I'm still at it, now tripping over cobblestones, living in a 6th-floor garret on l'Ile Saint-Louis, Paris. Read Parisbreakfast with a hot chocolate and croissant.
I paint Paris breakfasts.